New Stroke Survivor Telephone Support during Covid-19

A joint support package for new stroke survivors and their carers during the COVID-19 emergency has been launched.

The Stroke Association NI and Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke with support from the NI Stroke Network have moved from face to face care to supporting stroke survivors and their carers remotely and will continue reach out to people affected by Stroke.

The service for new stroke survivors and their carers can be accessed directly by telephoning 028 9032 0184. The opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am-5pm.

With support from the Stroke Network for NI, the charities will now reach out to people affected by Stroke to offer a lifeline and essential reassurance, connect them to a joint package of ongoing support, as well as support from others and help them rebuild their lives and have a more positive experience of care.

Dr Miriam McCarthy, Director of Commissioning at the Health and Social Care Board explained: “The new service offers a lifeline and essential reassurance to stroke survivors and their carers during the Covid-19 pandemic. It connects them to a joint package of ongoing support from the charities as well as support from others and will help them rebuild their lives and have a more positive experience of care especially during this current pandemic.”

The support offered includes; a family support service; A Grant Service; weekly support calls; access to ongoing other services (including Peer Support) and Access to useful information such as reading on keeping well in isolation.

Barry Macaulay Director of Stroke Association NI said; “We are delighted to be joining forces with our colleagues at NI Chest Heart and Stroke to provide a joint support package for people discharged from hospital.

“This partnership is vital at a time when stroke survivors are needing our services more than ever and when our charity resources are stretched due to fundraising deficits caused by the covid restrictions.

“The new process is also much simpler for stroke survivors, carers and health professionals with one single contact point to access services. We are also grateful to our colleagues in the Health and Social Care Board and Trusts for facilitating this new way of working.”

Noelene Hughes from Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke commented: “This new Stroke Support Service, will ensure that post discharge stroke survivors, their carers, and family members, will get the continued support and reassurance they need going forward.

“We also want to reinforce the message at this time that stroke is still a medical emergency. If you experience any of the symptoms of stroke call 999 and get immediate treatment form the health service as soon as possible. Be reassured that after treatment we will reach out and offer a lifeline of support through this new joint pathway.”

Always remember, if you or someone you know shows symptoms of stroke dial 999 immediately for emergency medical assistance.